Style of play and formations - Flexibility
Posted: Wed Jun 30, 2010 11:11 amWell the bloke hasn't even walked through the door and already I feel there is a preconception (unfairly in my view) that we are all of a sudden going to become a long ball side with this appointment.
Now I for one am not going to jump to any conclusions about his style of play at this stage and what we can expect. Generally his teams are very hard to beat and sit deep a lot of the time, but at Fulham for example that was hardly surprising because the quality of Fulhum's squad is not exactly brilliant, certainly in comparison to the quality of players we have. To be fair, with the players at his disposal he probably maximised their potential. If he comes to Anfield and replicates that I will be happy. I am sure England would of appreciated that this summer, instead of what the renown Fabio Capello managed to achieve with the potential at his disposal. He does play 442 and normally with inverted wingers. I wouldn't call it negative, just emphasis on being solid at the back and then quick counter-attacking football. Because of the inverted wingers his teams tend to play quite narrowly.
Anyway, I find the bloke insightful when talking about football when I've heard him in the past. I've enjoyed listening to him during the World Cup aswell. Anyway, here's some interesting videos with Hodgson talking about various formations.
4-4-2
http://www.uefa.com/trainin....ay=true
3-5-2
http://www.uefa.com/trainin....ay=true
4-3-3
http://www.uefa.com/trainin....37.html
I mean we've generally played 4-2-3-1 for a long time now with varying degrees of success. Last season I was critical about our lack of flexibility within this formation as the front man was often left completely isolated at times. When Roy sits down and prepares for our first game the most important thing is that he picks the formation to get the best out of the players. Pick the players first, then find the best formation to play them. And not choosing the formation and shoe-horning players into the formation. Also, the ability and willingness to change formations and playing styles is important during games.
Thoughts?
Now I for one am not going to jump to any conclusions about his style of play at this stage and what we can expect. Generally his teams are very hard to beat and sit deep a lot of the time, but at Fulham for example that was hardly surprising because the quality of Fulhum's squad is not exactly brilliant, certainly in comparison to the quality of players we have. To be fair, with the players at his disposal he probably maximised their potential. If he comes to Anfield and replicates that I will be happy. I am sure England would of appreciated that this summer, instead of what the renown Fabio Capello managed to achieve with the potential at his disposal. He does play 442 and normally with inverted wingers. I wouldn't call it negative, just emphasis on being solid at the back and then quick counter-attacking football. Because of the inverted wingers his teams tend to play quite narrowly.
Anyway, I find the bloke insightful when talking about football when I've heard him in the past. I've enjoyed listening to him during the World Cup aswell. Anyway, here's some interesting videos with Hodgson talking about various formations.
4-4-2
http://www.uefa.com/trainin....ay=true
3-5-2
http://www.uefa.com/trainin....ay=true
4-3-3
http://www.uefa.com/trainin....37.html
I mean we've generally played 4-2-3-1 for a long time now with varying degrees of success. Last season I was critical about our lack of flexibility within this formation as the front man was often left completely isolated at times. When Roy sits down and prepares for our first game the most important thing is that he picks the formation to get the best out of the players. Pick the players first, then find the best formation to play them. And not choosing the formation and shoe-horning players into the formation. Also, the ability and willingness to change formations and playing styles is important during games.
Thoughts?
